Herpes simplex vs. Herpes zoster

You want to know what is the difference between herpes simplex and herpes zoster? We can understand that, because the herpes viruses causes both herpes simplex and herpes zoster, both are rashes and they are often confused.

First of all, let us show you the symptoms of both these conditions:

Herpes simplex, also known as oral herpes or genital herpes, cause:

Pain

Sore muscles

Blisers around lip area or genital area

Sores on lip area or genital area

Flu like symptoms

Rash and bumps on skin

Fever

Herpes zoster, also known as chickenpox or shingles, causes:

Rash on skin

Blisters

Painful, irritating and itchy rashes

A generally sick feeling

The herpes simplex virus is activated by sunlight, injury to genital area or lip area, stress and fatigue, while when talking about hepes zoster chickenpox appears after 7-21 from the contact with the virus. Shingles shows its symptoms years after chickenpox infection.

While hepes simplex is very contagious, chickenpox is contagious during 7-21 day period and shingles is not vey contagious.

Unfortunately, these infections do not have a specific cure, but their impact can be minimalized by taking some measures.

Herpes simplex:

Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to ease the pain

Baths with salted water

Apply any kind of petroleum jelly

Avoid wearing tight clothing

Wash your hand carefully

Limit your sexual activity

Herpes zoster:

Vaccines: 100% immunity from this condition can’t be guaranteed by taking a vaccine but it significantly reduce the changes of someone suffering from herpes zoster

Antiviral drugs are very good is the condition is detected at an early stage

Paracetamol for the pain

Apply iodine on the rash

We hope that you found out the differences between herpes simplex vs. herpes zoster. If you have any addition questions, or if you think that we missed out informations, please let us know and share your comments with us.

Also, we encourage you to share your experience with herpes and you can help other readers.